Water - Laborer II

La Vergne; La Vergne (TN); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% Paid Insurance for employees and

Retirement Security with city plan

Generous Paid Time Off and holidays

Longevity Pay and annual bonuses

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

La Vergne seeks a Laborer II in the Water Department for the City of La Vergne. This is a safety-sensitive, non-exempt, hourly role focused on maintenance and operation of water systems, streets, and drainage. Training and equipment operation are key components.

You'll join a team supporting water distribution and treatment facilities with potential after-hours work for emergencies. A valid TN license is required or obtainable.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Experience relating to construction, maintenance, or repair.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities related to water distribution and/or collection.
• Valid Tennessee Driver’s License or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Assist planning, scheduling, and implementation of maintenance and operation activities for water, street, and sewer systems.
• Assist in training lower-level staff in maintenance and repair duties.
• Maintain records of inspections and maintenance activities.
• Assess locations of lines before excavation to avoid damage.
• Respond to complaints and service requests.
• Operate and maintain equipment and vehicles as directed.

Skills

Safety awareness

Manual labor

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Position Title

Laborer II

Department

Water

FLSA Status

Non–Exempt / Hourly

Salary

$20.84

Grade

F

Supervision

Water Supervisor

Last Reviewed

11/5/26

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• 100% Paid Insurance for employees and their families, covering health, dental, vision, life, disability, and even LASIK.
• Retirement Security from day one: a 401(a) plan with a 4.5% city contribution plus a 457 plan with matching up to 3.5%.
• Generous Paid Time Off, including vacation, sick, personal days, 12 holidays, and your birthday off.
• Longevity Pay with additional annual bonuses for years of service.
• Support & Development with on-the-job training, professional growth opportunities, and a confidential Employee Assistance Program.

Job Summary

Performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled maintenance work, and operates a variety of equipment in the construction, operation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of City water facilities and systems, as well as street and storm drainage facilities and systems for the Water, Street, and Sewer divisions of the Public Works Department. THIS IS A SAFETY-SENSITIVE POSITION

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists with the planning, scheduling, and implementation of construction, maintenance, and operation activities designed to provide quality street, water, and sewer systems and facilities.
• Assists in the training of lower-level employees performing the duties of maintenance, construction, and repair for the different departments.
• Maintains a variety of records relating to inspections, maintenance activity, repairs, etc.
• Determines the locations of gas, telephone, power, television, water, and sewer lines from the appropriate sources before excavation.
• Responds to complaints and service requests.
• Mows and maintains city property, pump stations, etc.
• Contacts residents and business owners in the area where services or access may be discontinued and explains when access or services will be restored.
• Ensures the proper maintenance of equipment and tools by cleaning and checking them after use.
• Drives trucks of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling, and unloading of different equipment, gravel, and sand.
• Performs routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and refers defects or needed repairs to the supervisor.
• Cleans equipment.
• Operates light and medium-sized construction and power equipment.
• Performs all duties in conformance with appropriate safety and security standards.
• Performs required labor involved in construction and maintenance projects as part of a crew for the Water, Street, and/or Sewer Departments.
• Pavement cutting, ditch digging, manhole and line cleaning, central and pipe repair, laying, and backfilling.
• Cuts, fits, lays, repairs, taps, cleans, and flushes stormwater mains, pipes, gates, and fittings in the repair of lines and fire hydrants.
• Cross-trains and/or performs as needed in other areas of public works such as Streets, Sewer, and Fleet Departments.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Experience relating to construction, maintenance, or repair.
• Necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities related to water distribution and/or collection.
• Valid Tennessee Driver’s License or the ability to obtain a valid Tennessee Driver’s License.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

• Considerable knowledge of equipment, facilities, materials, methods, and procedures used in maintenance, construction, and repair activities.
• Skill in the operation of some of the listed tools and equipment.
• Ability to perform heavy manual tasks for extended periods.
• Ability to work safely.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally, and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments, and the public.
• Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is primarily conducted in field settings. Significant outdoor work is required. Hand-eye coordination is essential for operating testing instruments, computers, and various office equipment. While carrying out the responsibilities of this job, the employee may occasionally need to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, and hear, as well as use their hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds occasionally. Specific vision abilities necessary for this role include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Outdoor and Facility Work Sites

The Laborer II works primarily outdoors and at water treatment and distribution facilities, performing tasks in various environments. This includes work in residential areas, commercial districts, and at utility infrastructure sites, often under varying weather conditions.

Physically Demanding Tasks

This position involves labor-intensive activities that support maintenance and repair of the water system. Tasks include digging, lifting, operating valves, repairing pipelines, and assisting with the installation of water service components. Physical stamina and adherence to safety protocols are crucial for performing these tasks safely and effectively.

Use of Tools and Equipment

The Laborer II uses a variety of hand tools, power tools, and specialized equipment to perform job duties. This includes shovels, wrenches, pipe cutters, and, under supervision, operating smaller machinery. The role emphasizes proper use, maintenance, and safety when handling tools and equipment.

Teamwork and Learning Environment

Working under the supervision of more experienced personnel, the Laborer II is part of a team focused on water system operations. This role offers opportunities for on-the-job learning and skill development, with the expectation of increasing responsibility and autonomy over time.

Safety and Compliance

Safety is a top priority, with the Laborer II following established safety procedures and regulations to protect themselves, their colleagues, and the public. This includes wearing personal protective equipment, following confined space entry protocols, and adhering to environmental regulations.

Emergency Response Support

The position may require involvement in emergency response activities, including addressing water main breaks and system leaks. Occasionally, after-hours work, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, may be necessary to support urgent maintenance and repair efforts.

Documentation and Record-Keeping

While primarily a hands-on role, the Laborer may assist with basic documentation related to maintenance activities, inventory tracking, and compliance checks, contributing to the department’s record-keeping and reporting requirements.

Flexible Schedule

This position is not remote. A flexible schedule is essential for the Laborer II to accommodate the fluctuating demands of water department projects, routine maintenance, and emergency response activities, ensuring the continuous operation and reliability of the water distribution and treatment systems. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office and moderate to loud in the field.

The City of La Vergne is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status in employment opportunities.